what is likely to go wrong with..
Discussion
Main thing to look out for is the engine. The early (pre "W" reg) V8s had nikasil piston linings (like some BMWs) If the car has been subjected to lots of shorts runs, the engine could be on its way out big-time.
The check is to get a "blow-by" test done on it. (Unless it has already had a replacement engine)
Prof Beard
>> Edited by Prof Beard on Friday 7th October 20:58
The check is to get a "blow-by" test done on it. (Unless it has already had a replacement engine)
Prof Beard
>> Edited by Prof Beard on Friday 7th October 20:58
Gopher, Check the vin number,....if the last 6 numbers begin with "8" then it has a nikasil engine, unless it has been changed at sometime. If the last 6 numbers begin with: "F" then the bores are steel liners and are no problem.
My 4ltr XJ8 is an "F"(steel) and was first registered in May 2000 (to give you some idea). I'm thinking that this must have been one of the first, unless anyone has evidence to the contrary.
BMW and Porsche also suffered from Nikasil engines, it seems that the high sulphur fuel created acid when burned and ate the lining away. Low sulphur fuel came tothe U.K. I think I'm right in saying about 1998.
So it's just possible that high sulphur fuel COULD have been used in it. I'd say though that if the compression is OK with a high..ish milage, then the danger is probably past. But I'd still either wait or pay a little more for a later steel lined model.
They're great cars, even without a supercharger!
My 4ltr XJ8 is an "F"(steel) and was first registered in May 2000 (to give you some idea). I'm thinking that this must have been one of the first, unless anyone has evidence to the contrary.
BMW and Porsche also suffered from Nikasil engines, it seems that the high sulphur fuel created acid when burned and ate the lining away. Low sulphur fuel came tothe U.K. I think I'm right in saying about 1998.
So it's just possible that high sulphur fuel COULD have been used in it. I'd say though that if the compression is OK with a high..ish milage, then the danger is probably past. But I'd still either wait or pay a little more for a later steel lined model.
They're great cars, even without a supercharger!
If it hasn't had a replacement engine, then there are likely to be three main problems which 'may' strike.
1) Nikasil liners - get a 'blow-by-test' done at a dealers and look at the results. 40-45 is new engine time, less than 20 should be OK.
2) Timing Chain Tensioners - if these fail, it's new engine time (This is where I am at the moment
). If you're lucky you get the warning 'death rattle', if you're unlucky (as I was) the engine just mangles itself up inside when you try to start it. Check the service history for replacement of timing chain tensioners. They were revised twice, first time unsuccessfully, second time successful. I have the part number somwhere, will post later.
3) Water pump impellor. To save money, Jaguar used a plastic pump impellor which breaks up and causes overheating - which exaggerates both of the above problems. Again, check the service history for replacement.
If the car has NOT had a replacement engine, then as long as 2 and 3 have been replaced and the blow-by-test is less than 20, the car should be fine - although possibly difficult to sell later on.
If it has had a replacement engine, check the engine number to make sure it is 2000 onwards adn you shouldn't experiance any of the above problems. Do checkt he number though, as warranty companies will try to avoid paying out for an engine, so it is not unfeasible that a pre 2000 engine could have been fitted to save money - and therefore no better than an original engine.
Check it thoroughly, buy well and enjoy! :thumb-up:
1) Nikasil liners - get a 'blow-by-test' done at a dealers and look at the results. 40-45 is new engine time, less than 20 should be OK.
2) Timing Chain Tensioners - if these fail, it's new engine time (This is where I am at the moment
). If you're lucky you get the warning 'death rattle', if you're unlucky (as I was) the engine just mangles itself up inside when you try to start it. Check the service history for replacement of timing chain tensioners. They were revised twice, first time unsuccessfully, second time successful. I have the part number somwhere, will post later. 3) Water pump impellor. To save money, Jaguar used a plastic pump impellor which breaks up and causes overheating - which exaggerates both of the above problems. Again, check the service history for replacement.
If the car has NOT had a replacement engine, then as long as 2 and 3 have been replaced and the blow-by-test is less than 20, the car should be fine - although possibly difficult to sell later on.
If it has had a replacement engine, check the engine number to make sure it is 2000 onwards adn you shouldn't experiance any of the above problems. Do checkt he number though, as warranty companies will try to avoid paying out for an engine, so it is not unfeasible that a pre 2000 engine could have been fitted to save money - and therefore no better than an original engine.
Check it thoroughly, buy well and enjoy! :thumb-up:
Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff